Summary

Aunt Alexandra has society ladies over for a missionary circle tea. She insists that Scout attend, and she must wear a dress. Scout listens as they discuss the injustice in other areas of the world. These comments are followed by insights into the "misbehavior" of their black servants since the Robinson verdict. Miss Maudie silences their idle chatter with her usual cold insights.

Atticus comes into the room and calls Alexandra, Maudie, Scout and Cal into the kitchen. He tells them that Tom Robinson tried to escape and he was shot seventeen times. Calpurnia goes with Atticus to notify Tom's family. Alexandra complains that the town will allow Atticus to work so hard and harm his reputation in the pursuit of justice. Miss Maudie tells Alexandra that the town counts on him to do the right thing. They manage to return to the tea without revealing...